Social Security Legislative Bulletin

107-26
October 10, 2002

House Passes H.R. 5542, the "Black Lung Consolidation of Administrative Responsibility Act"

On October 9, 2002, the House passed, by vote of 404-0, H.R. 5542, the "Black Lung Consolidation of Administrative Responsibility Act."

The legislation would transfer responsibility for administration of the Part B black lung program from SSA to the Department of Labor (DOL) except for those instances in which proceedings are currently pending before an Administrative Law Judge, the Appeals Council, or are pending judicial review. Currently, most aspects of the Part B program are being administered by DOL; under a memorandum of understanding between SSA and DOL, which has been in effect since 1997, DOL provides claims maintenance services and SSA retains legal and budgetary responsibilities, including providing hearings, appeals and investigations.

The bill will now be referred to the Senate

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